Banyan Tree Krabi, a 72-key luxury beach resort that celebrated its grand opening in October 2020, has unveiled a new spa boasting a unique hydrotherapy facility and eight treatment rooms, each of which has been fitted with a selection of coloured lighting designed to help enhance the well-being of each individual customer.

First impressions count – when guests arrive at Banyan Tree Krabi they are greeted by this sensational view from the lobby

The new resort — Banyan Tree’s fourth in Thailand following hotels in Phuket, Bangkok and Koh Samui — is located at tranquil Tubkaek Beach, a 45-minute drive from Krabi International Airport, and some 20 km north of the main tourist areas of Railay and Ao Nang. Nestled in the northernmost corner of the beach, Banyan Tree Krabi is flanked by nature — it tiers into a verdant rolling landscape known as Naga Crest Hill, while facing out over stunning limestone cliffs and the sapphire waters of the Andaman Sea.

A freshwater stream winds downhill from Naga Crest Hill into the property where Banyan Tree’s innovative design team has sculpted a beautiful tropical canal to ferry the springwater to the sea. The rush of water is a recurrent sight and sound at the floral 10-acre resort, where guests are constantly treated to the trickle of streams or the cascading of waterfalls, from the spectacular water feature gracing the lobby to a small waterpark for kids.

Sauna, steam room, ice fountain and water jets are all part of The Rainforest experience at Banyan Tree Spa Krabi

And nowhere is the element of water accentuated more than at the 500 sqm pavilion of Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, host to The Rainforest, a maze of hydrotherapeutic stations, including a steam room and sauna, ice fountain, jet pool, and an array of waterjets designed to simultaneously stimulate and soothe the body and mind.

Among the massage options available to guests and visiting customers is lava shell treatment, which begins with body wrap of pearl powder, followed by a special technique created exclusively at Banyan Tree Krabi using a heated lava shell.

“Pearl powder contains trace minerals and is high in calcium, which is conducive to healthy skin,” said spa manager Bussayawan Chanchai. “And the effect of massaging it into the muscles with a hot lava shell is ideal for relieving tension and stiffness.”

Bussayawan heads a team of therapists each thoroughly versed in the Banyan Tree brand of well-being. She previously studied a Science Program in Integrative Medicine where she discovered the benefits of colour therapy, which she has now adapted at Banyan Tree Spa Krabi

Lava shell massage is a signature treatment at Banyan Tree Spa Krabi

“We chat with each client when they check in and ask how they are feeling,” she said. “Someone who has come from a cold climate may well be recommended red lighting, which boosts energy and increases warmth. Those who have just had a long flight or have not been sleeping well could be offered blue. We also have white, green and yellow lighting, and each helps to immerse the guest in an ambience that will create positive energy and benefit their health.”

As part of Banyan Tree Krabi’s Grand Opening rollout, guests are receiving various promotions, one of which includes a 50% discount on their first treatment at the spa, and 30% off a second treatment. The offer, available to hotel guests only, applies to any website bookings between now and 30 April but is valid for stays at the resort until 30 September 2021.

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From the Banyan Tree Krabi lobby, a serpentine staircase leads through a curtain of water to a grotto-like relaxing area below

Banyan Tree Krabi, a 72-key luxury resort nestled on a verdant hillside with spectacular vistas of limestone cliffs rising from the sea, opened its doors on October 24 at little-known Tubkaek Beach, a 45-minute drive from Krabi International Airport. Launched by Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading independent, multi-branded hospitality groups known for sustainability and wellbeing, this latest 5-star hotel is owned by Thailand-based Asset World Corporation (AWC).

The new resort backs onto a lush national park and Naga Crest Hill, granting three ultra-luxury beachfront pool villas, 10 beachfront pool villas, and 59 pool suites—each of which has its own private pool—a westward-facing view of sunset over the Andaman. A natural spring flows downhill into the property where it is transformed into a flower-fringed canal ferrying springwater to the sea.

Facilities at Banyan Tree Krabi include two restaurants and a beach bar, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, a meeting centre, and in keeping with Banyan Tree’s global wellbeing branding — a rainforest-themed spa.

The lobby at Banyan Tree Krabi, with the karst towers of Than Bok Korani National Marine Park in the background

The centerpiece of the resort, as guests walk through the naga legend-inspired entrance, is a circular water feature in the lobby that cascades into a cavernous meeting room area below. With a backdrop of emerald sea and karsts, the awe-inspiring spectacle is shaping up as one of the resort’s signature images.

“Water and nature are the predominant themes here at Banyan Tree Krabi,” said the resort’s new General Manager Robert Sexton. “You are never more than a few steps from a canal with quaint wooden bridges or within earshot of fountains and waterfalls among the gardens.

“One water-related concept we have adopted is that of the ‘Naga’, a sea creature from Hindu mythology that is popular among local legends in Krabi. Long ago, people believed that the Great Naga lived here in the four mountains behind us. From sea, you can see the rollercoaster-shape of the range, somewhat like a slithering serpent. It stretches from Naga Crest Hill, just 500 metres behind the hotel, to Laem Hang Nak Mountain, which represents the tip of the Naga’s tail.

“From the lobby, an eye-catching naga staircase leads downstairs to a shaded ‘grotto’, and you’ll see naga-themed design inspirations throughout the hotel, including wavy artwork on the walls and amenities in all the rooms. The designers have clearly applied elements of the natural landscape to create a unique ambience and a sense of place.”

Accommodation

Banyan Tree Krabi offers eight suite and villa types. The most modest accommodation type, coming in at 99 sq.m, is the Deluxe Pool Suite. Highlight of the room is a sumptuous double bed, situated beneath a pitched hardwood ceiling and fan. A private terrace, plunge pool and jet pool surround the bedroom, giving guests the feeling of being on a small island.

The largest is the majestic seven-bedroom Presidential Villa, which sits directly in front of the beach. Guests can reserve the villa as a three-bedroom unit or take an option to combine the three-bedroom with the two adjoining 2-bedroom beachfront villas, transforming it into a seven-bedroom wonderland of saltwater pools, canals, and myriad balconies and terraces. Designed as a retreat for multi-generational family vacations and intimate wedding celebrations, the Presidential Villa commands a palatial 1,335 sq.m as a seven-bedroom arrangement.

The Two-Bedroom Ocean Pool Suite has its own private swimming pool and a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea

All suites and villas have private saltwater pools and water features. Each is modern and bright with gentle tones of wood, stone and sand. Decor is modern chic, while bathrooms are resplendent with sandy beige marble tiles, a double sink, and decorated with naga art. Mod-cons include a lavish bathtub and jet pool, high-speed Internet, IPTV with multiple-device connectivity, a full range of multi-lingual channels on state-of-the-art flat screen TVs, and a premium coffee machine.

In keeping with Banyan Tree Group’s “Safe Sanctuary” programme rolled out during the Covid pandemic, guests at the new resort will be assured of enhanced safety and hygiene protocols with emphasis on wellbeing and nature-focused offerings. Among them is a personalised check-in and check-out service in their rooms. Prior to arrival, each guest is assigned a Banyan Tree Host – similar to a dedicated butler. Upon checking in, guests receive a Portier Smartphone with unlimited international calls and data – to contact their Banyan Tree Host at the touch of a button and enjoy personalised service, ranging from in-room dining to arranging tours, as well as room service and housekeeping requests.

Dining

One of the most dramatic features at Banyan Tree Krabi will be the three “Bird’s Nest” tables perched precariously among the trees around the resort’s highly-elevated signature restaurant, Saffron. With a lush jungle scene as backdrop, and a sea vista of Krabi’s world-famous limestone wonders at sunset, this romantic dining spot will make for some memorable Instagram moments.

Saffron Restaurant and its accompanying Sunset Wedding Deck can be accessed by a quaint electric funicular, large enough for eight persons, which will ascend and descend the hillside throughout the evening.

The Naga Kitchen is the resort’s all-day dining venue with menus offering international and Southern Thai cuisines

The resort’s all-day dining destination will be called The Naga Kitchen, catering breakfasts, lunches and dinner with a plethora of international choices. Executive Chef Jakkrit Traibun, who was the sous-chef at Banyan Tree Samui for seven years, is a southern Thai and specialises in the aromatic and spicy flavours of that culinary style.

Always popular at Banyan Tree is its in-room dining. Exuding romance and relaxation, novelties include a floating breakfast, floating sunset tapas set or a sizzling poolside barbecue prepared by a personal chef.

Spa & Otherwise

 Renowned as a global wellbeing brand, Banyan Tree has an avalanche of awards mirroring this acclaim. In Banyan Tree Krabi, the spa will build upon the reputation, maintaining its sense of “Thai-ness” with local treatments and ingredients such as coconut potions and pearl powder massage.

Fully supervised while mum and dad enjoy some alone time, the Kids’ Club is centered around a small waterpark with a slide and shallow saltwater pools – all of which are treated and sanitized by UV lights. The play area also includes a rope bridge, a naga-themed cave, and a climbing wall.

Banyan Tree has been recognised worldwide for its sustainability stewardship. Sister resort Banyan Tree Samui was lauded by global organisation EarthCheck in 2018 as the first hotel in Thailand to receive its highest certification. Banyan Tree Area General Manager Remko Kroesen, who will oversee both southern Thai resorts, aims to maintain the same high standards at Banyan Tree Krabi.

“We feel we have all the magical elements at Banyan Tree Krabi that a discerning and well-travelled visitor is looking for,” said Kroesen. “As an industry leader, we aim to elevate aspirational travel – catering with a difference to weddings and honeymoons; multi-generational families and couples seeking relaxation; and even the combination of nature-lovers and business conferences.

“Our owners have held onto this piece of land since 2006, waiting for the right time to open the resort,” he added. “Now, with so many areas in Phuket and Koh Phi Phi perceived as overcrowded and undoubtedly impacted from an environmental point of view, the time is right to make this stunning resort at Tubkaek Beach a sustainable reality.”

Banyan Tree Krabi becomes the Group’s fourth Banyan Tree resort in Thailand, following Banyan Tree Phuket, Banyan Tree Bangkok, and Banyan Tree Samui.

For reservations and enquiries, go to: https://www.banyantree.com/booking

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